Unwind before finals with a quick morning jaunt through an urban “forest.” This 3 mile hike captures views of LA, a serene pond, and rumors have it there are turtles… 🐢

This 3-4 mile hike is pretty flat and relatively easy, with the highlight being the big picturesque rock pool shaded by sycamores and bays, with views of the Santa Monica mountains all around!

Stunning ocean views, vibrant wildflowers, and a sneak peak of Catalina in the background? What better way to start off your weekend? Come join us with Professor Rita Barakat for a gorgeous 4.4-mile scenic hike!

Join us on this 2.1-mile, 400 feet elevation gain hike with Communication professor Jillian Pierson! We’ll see some wildflowers and views of the San Gabriel Valley mountains along the way and be back just in time for the spring football game!

Join Peaks & Professor Tim Kobza on this quick hike through the Santa Monica Mountains! We will leave campus around 8am before driving to the trailhead in Topanga. After hiking about 45 minutes by the creek (with some crossings), we will arrive at the beautiful waterfall, where we can hang out and enjoy the view before heading back.

Come KAYAKING and (maybe) SNORKELING on the beautiful Catalina Island with Professor David Hutchins! We’ll be going on a guided kayak tour at the Wrigley Institute, with possible opportunity for snorkeling in the nearby bay. Then, we’ll eat lunch and walk through the Wrigley Marine Institute on the island.

The early bird gets the worm 🪱! Join us for a sunrise hike with (weather permitting) breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. This is a popular 5.3 mile out-and-back, so let’s beat the crowds together and get back just in time for your 9am 🙈.

An Architect on a Peaks Hike?! Sign up for an easy hike around Lake Hollywood and get a chance to talk to and learn from USC Architecture Professor Taka Tachibe!!

After all the rain in Southern California, how could we miss the greenery! Join us as we hike through the luscious Topanga Canyon on a 4.6mi loop with Professor Elizabeth Durst. Come frolic in the spring air and wildflowers as we get a break between midterms and finals.

Join us on a wonderful sunday stroll up and back trail near Topanga, California in Malibu Creek State Park! This hike is just moderately challenging, with the views of birds and greenery (particularly wild grown mushrooms) even more challenging to believe! The hike is 3.3 miles, but could be muddy so bring shoes you’re not terribly emotionally attached to at the moment. We are leaving at 8 am to get to the trail as the sun rises and enjoy the lovely UV, and to get back to qualm the Sunday carries.

Join Professor Tucker and Lily on a 5-mile hike to Dawn Mine. We’ll cross some streams and go through the forest in search of an old mine and water pump. Will we find it? You’ll have to join us to find out!

Start your birding career!

Come join soak up some iconic beach views on this 2 mile nature walk in Palos Verdes! This is a super chill hike with great views and great conversation, so get psyched! We will be doing the Terranea Discovery Trail with Dr. Lacy Olson-Ayala of Psychology.

Get ready to tap all the way up this classic 3.5 mile trail to the best waterfall within 30 minutes of campus with Professor Rodgers from Kaufman! Specializing in tap and jazz dance, Professor Rodgers is your go to for any new moves you want to bust out at the next function. Be sure to ask him about his travels around the globe and all the many choreographed pieces made for Disney, Gatorade, Microsoft and more!

Looking for something to bring your crush to? Start Valentine’s Day off early with a (hopefully) beautiful sunrise hike joined by Professor Rebecca Broyer! Join us on this 2.6 mile loop; with minimal cloud coverage and a bit of luck, experience a once in a lifetime LA sunrise and hike to Griffith Observatory ♡

Rock scrambling! A great view of the grassy valley! Come along and explore the Cave of Munits! This hike will take us on a 2 mile loop to a great spot for some light cave climbing and exploration, with a great view from the top of this small peak!

If you’re looking for a relaxing Friday morning to escape from the stress of college life, then join us on this beach meditation getaway to Santa Monica! Mindful USC has reserved 10 spots for Peaks and Professors participants to enjoy a guided meditation session led by Dr. Allyson Pimentel and Dr. Gauri Kolkhatkar. Learn how to practice mindfulness while listening to the calming Santa Monica waves. The best part is, we’ll be covering all costs for 10 participants so the trip will be completely free if you’re selected!

Join us on this adventure through the Santa Monica Mountains! We’ll embark on a short hike to the 50ft Escondido Falls, where Dr. Goldman will lead a short Yoga and meditation session. After hanging out for a bit at the base of the falls, we’ll head back to campus.

Join professor of philosophy, history and accounting Jacob Soll on this 2.9 mile, 459 elevation gain hike through Greenbriar Trail! We’ll get views of the Santa Susana, San Gabriel and Santa Monica Mountains and be able to hear Professor Soll’s timeless stories of his adventures around the globe.

Join Peaks and Professors for a moderate hike in the stunning Franklin Canyon Park! Get ready to take in the breathtaking scenery of the canyon, its serene reservoir, and the lush surrounding foliage as we embark on a memorable hike led by none other than the iconic English professor, Christopher Freeman. Along the way, we'll be treated to panoramic views of the hidden nature of Los Angeles. Whether you're seeking a brisk hike watching LA’s scenery or a peaceful communion with nature, this hike promises the best of both worlds in the heart of Los Angeles.

Calling all graduate-level women engineers! Join us for a quick collaboration with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Grad Student Affairs for a quick 2.8 mile trip on Old San Gabriel Canyon Road. Coming with us are not one, but two great engineering professors: Gale Lucas and Saty Raghavachary. Come to enjoy not only the great conversation but the view of the Azusa mountains and the San Gabriel River.

Do you hate trash? Do you love free trips to the beach? It’s like we read your mind!

Hop on our beach cleanup hike with the amazing AND wonderful Kelly Sanders! We will be hitting the bike path starting in Marina Del Rey and traversing the concrete and sand. Join Peaks in giving back to our beautiful LA terrain while people watching and competing for who can pick up the most trash!

Join us on a hike through the Santa Monica Mountains to a waterfall and a cave with Abby Fifer Mandell, a social entrepreneurship professor and Peaks Advisor.

Start your weekend off right with this 3-mile loop near Malibu with the incredible biology professor Rita Barakat!

If you’re looking for a relaxing Friday morning to escape from the stress of college life, then join us on this beach meditation getaway to Santa Monica! Mindful USC has reserved 10 spots for Peaks and Professors participants to enjoy a guided meditation session led by Dr. Allyson Pimentel and Dr. Gauri Kolkhatkar. Learn how to practice mindfulness while listening to the calming Santa Monica waves. The best part is, we’ll be covering all costs for 10 participants so the trip will be completely free if you’re selected!

Join outer space expert Kenneth Phillips on this easy 1.2 mile loop around Mount Wilson Observatory. We will get to explore historic telescopes and see some amazing views while celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the Andromeda Galaxy. After exploring the observatory, we’ll grab some lunch at Cosmic Cafe. This is a great trip for beginner hikers or for those who have an interest in outer space!